This place is the 61st among the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu.

Cultural Significance: Saints and artists like Thyagaraja, Muthuswamy Dikshitar, and Bharathiyar have sung about this temple—Bharathiyar’s Kannan songs are said to be dedicated to this very Lord. Notable figures such as Vivekananda, Ramanujan, Sathyamoorthy, and Thyagaraja Swamigal have visited and worshipped here. The prakaram also features icons of Thirukkachinambi, Vedantachariyar, Ramanuja, Manavalamamunigal, Chakrathazhwar, and Thirumazhisaiyar. Famous Offering: The temple is known for its rich and delicious Sakkarai Pongal (Sweet Pudding) Once, this place was a Tulsi forest (Brinda Aranyam). The Pallava and Chola kings renovated the temple. The sacred Kairavini pond, believed to hold the essence of five holy tirthas—Indra, Soma, Meena, Agni, and Vishnu—and considered even holier than the Ganges.

History of the place

Origin of the Temple: King Sumathirajan, a devotee of Lord Thirumal, wished to see him as Lord Kannan, the charioteer from the Kurukshetra war. Granting his wish, the Lord appeared as Parthasarathy, holding only a conch to honor his vow of not using weapons. The scars from Bhishma’s arrows, taken to protect Arjuna, are still visible on the deity’s face. Pleased, the king requested the Lord to remain in this form, and the temple became known as Parthasarathy Temple. Installed by Sage Vyasa, the deity here represents the divine form described in the Bhagavad Gita. Venkatakrishna stands as the main deity; Sri Narasimha (Telliyasinghar) sits in yoga posture, and Sri Ranganatha (Mannathar) reclines. These three forms together bestow courage, spiritual focus, and devotion.

Saints who worshiped

Mangalasaasanam (hymns) by Thirumangai Azhwar, Peiazhwar, Thirumazhisai Azhwar, Sri Ramanujar. This is the 61st temple in the list of 108 divya desams.

Temple History, Speciality, Miracle and Greatness

Sri Parthasarathy Temple: Named after Lord Parthasarathy, who served as Arjuna’s charioteer in the Mahabharata war. The Utsava Murthy (Procession deity) still bears the scars from the arrows shot at Him by Bheesma, symbolizing the Lord's role in upholding Dharma (Righteousness). Offerings (nivedhana) to the Lord here are rich in ghee and exclude spicy ingredients like chili. The Lord’s form reminds devotees that beauty is fleeting and inner virtue matters most.

Mother Vedavalli: Sage Bhrigu once performed penance here to have Lord Vishnu as his son-in-law. The goddess appeared in a blooming lily in the temple Pushkarani and was named Vedavalli. Lord Vishnu, as Ranganatha, married her. This divine wedding is celebrated annually in Masi (February mid–March mid). Vedavalli remains seated in her shrine, appearing on a swing during special occasions like Fridays and Uttara Nakshatra (Uthra star day).

Krishna with His Family: Emphasizing the value of family unity, Lord Venkatakrishna is seen with Goddess Rukmini and Goddess Mahalakshmi (in HIs chest). He is also accompanied by Balarama (elder brother), Satyaki (cousin brother), Pratyumna (son), and Aniruddha (grandson). Devotees believe that seeing Venkatakrishna here brings peace, removes sins, and strengthens family bonds. Lord Rama has a separate shrine, flanked by Sita, Lakshmana, Bharata, Shatrughna, and Hanuman.

Swami Without Chakra: In this temple, Lord Krishna appears without the Sudarshana Chakra, holding only a conch. This reflects his vow during the Mahabharata not to wield weapons. Unlike the typical four-armed form of Vishnu, he is shown in human form with just two arms—an uncommon depiction.

Mustache-Free Darshan: Known as "Meesai Perumal," (Meesai means Moustache in Tamil) Lord Venkatakrishna is usually seen with a mustache, symbolizing the dignity of a charioteer. Uniquely, during Vaikunta Ekadashi, he appears without a mustache for five days (from the 6th to the 10th day of the festival). The procession deity is decorated with mustache on Fridays.

Five Deities (Panchamurthi Thalam): Unlike most temples, five deities are worshipped here—Venkatakrishna (main deity), Ranganatha, Rama (in the front hall), Gajendravaradar, and Yoga Narasimha (in separate shrines). In the Ranganatha shrine, Varaha appears near the Lord's head and Narasimha near his feet, as both accompanied him for his wedding. One can worship all three forms of the Lord in the same shrine. The temple uniquely has two flagposts and gateways—east-facing Venkata Krishna and west-facing Yoga Narasimha.

Silent Bell: Yoga Narasimha, the temple's first deity, is in a yogic posture. His shrine's bells are silent, without tongues, to maintain the meditative atmosphere. Devotees offer salt and pepper at a special platform here, believed to cure ailments.

Daily Garuda Seva: Unlike other temples where Garuda Seva is annual, here it’s celebrated daily. Gajendra Varadar, who saved the elephant Gajendra, is eternally seen seated on Garudazhwar. 

Pariharam

People pray for good education, family prosperity, wisdom, wedding and child boon.

Pariharam Procedure

Devotees perform Thirumanjanam (anointing) to the Lord and offer Sarkarai Pongal (sweet pudding) as nivedhana. The Kairavini pushkarini is believed to be a confluence of Indira, Soma, Meena, Agni, and Vishnu theerthas.

Pooja Types

Vaikanasam

Festival Period

10 day Laksharchana festival, 10 day Brahmmotsavam in Chithirai month, Vaikunda Ekadasi, Sri Jayanthi, Tamil and English New Year days.

Dharshan Timings

IST 06:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, 04:00 PM to 09:00 PM

How to reach

Triplicane - Thirvallikeni is an important division in Chennai city. Town buses are available from every corner of the city to reach the temple comfortably. Electric train facility is also available.

Nearest Location

Railway Station: Chennai Airport: Chennai